It’s Friday
and before I go to work
I go to morning Mass
at Hannahstown.
I’ve got a sore throat and I’m feeling
a little bit under the weather.
I kneel down to pray.

Looking round the chapel
I see May sunshine streaming in
through stained glass windows
and familiar faces all around.
My mind floods
with a sense
that simply being able to come here
to morning Mass
in my own parish
is a tremendous blessing.

At the end of Mass
as I chat to Fr Kevin at the door
I’m aware that I still have a sore throat
but instead of feeling
under the weather
I simply feel
incredibly blessed.

© Claire Murray, 26th May 2017